Future Warriors Program

Conor Graham

In light of the announcement of Irelands elevation to full member status, that will undoubtedly bring increased professionalism and opportunities for young and aspiring cricketers across Ireland. The North West is pleased to announce; following on from a review of youth cricket and the Youth Forum in September, the establishment of two new programmes aimed at developing talented young cricketers in the region. The Junior Warriors and The Future Warriors.Following on from the New Junior Warriors program recently announced by the North West Cricket Union, the new Future Warriors program for the under 15 and 17s will see an impressive increase in the playing and coaching time for our Future Warriors.The Future Warriors Programme, due to start in early January will involve: Cricket specific coaching between January to May, Weekly Strength & Conditioning sessions beginning in January, Advice on nutrition, sports psychology and tactical awareness Easter and Summer training camps.On the playing side, we have been working hard to organise a series of warm-up games with local team before the squads take part in the InterPro IP50 and new IP20 tournaments

We are delighted to announce the impressive coaching teams for the Future Warriors programsThe Warriors Under 17 squad will be led by Head Coach, Kevin Martin along with Assistant Coaches Mark Olphert and Craig Young. For the Warriors, Under 15 squad Brian Allen will continue as Head Coach alongside Peter Gillespie and Gary Neely. Peter McCartney, General Manager of the NWCU, expressed his delight at the appointments. “We have ambitious plans for our Future Warriors Programme, and I think that has been backed up by the new coaching posts. It’s great to have Brian Allen leading the Under 15’s again. He is a former Ireland ‘A’ International and is the current Ireland U15 head coach. Peter Gillespie has over 100 caps for Ireland and will add real value as a batting coach for the team. Gary has been one of the stand out bowlers in the North West over the years, and we are fortunate he can pass on that knowledge and skill to the next generation of Warriors.

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At Under 17 level, Kevin has got a chance to build on his massive potential as a coach. Kevin’s ability has also been recognised at Cricket Ireland level, and he will be assisting with the Ireland U17 team this year. Former Irish international Mark Olphert will again be involved with the Under 17’s. Mark has been in the coaching set-up for a while now, and it’s great to have that continuity of coaches. We have also brought in current Irish international fast bowler, Craig Young, and he is someone the players can look up to as a professional cricketer. We are delighted that Kevin Gallagher has agreed to oversee the new Strength & Conditioning programme for all players. Kevin is a highly respected, accredited Strength & Conditioning coach who has worked with the IFA, Ulster Rugby, Cricket Ireland and also some athletes at Commonwealth and Olympic level.

Ian McGregor and Brian Allen have worked very hard to pull this new programme together, and we believe it will allow our young players the chance to reach their full potential.”

Squads for both the U15 and U17 programmes are expected to be announced shortly.